Author: Central Desk

Ford India, a key subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, rethinks its previous decision to leave the Indian market, suggesting a potential resurgence amid the vibrant automotive landscape. Following the company’s move to cancel the sale of its Chennai manufacturing plant to the JSW group, industry observers are buzzing with speculation about the Maraimalai Nagar facility’s future and Ford’s strategic direction in India. The plant’s prime location near major ports and metropolitan areas makes it a valuable asset for potential investors. Ford’s engagement with India has been a tale of fluctuating fortunes. Beginning operations in 1926 and exiting in 1953 due…

On January 1, 2024, the previously announced acquisition deal, dated December 25, 2023, has been completed. The United International Transportation Company, known as Budget Saudi, a prominent vehicle leasing company in Saudi Arabia, completed its acquisition of the full stake in Al Jazira Equipment Company (AutoWorld) from Saudi Economic and Development Holding Company (Sedco). AutoWorld, a key player in the kingdom’s long-term operational leasing and vehicle maintenance industry, is now part of Budget Saudi’s portfolio. Budget Saudi’s fully-owned subsidiary, Al Jozoor Al Rasekha Trucking Company (Rahaal), executed this acquisition. The transaction involved Rahaal issuing new shares to the capital owner…

Tesla Inc., renowned for captivating electric vehicle enthusiasts and dedicated followers of CEO Elon Musk, now focuses on a wider audience: the everyday car buyer. Following an exceptional delivery year in 2023, with around 1.8 million cars delivered, Tesla shifted its strategy to appeal to a diverse customer base, highlighting affordability and usability. Although achieving a record in sales, Tesla’s volume remains a small portion of the annual sales of automotive giants like Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Co. This strategic pivot is crucial for Tesla’s growth, as emphasized by Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja during an October investor…

Ducati has announced a significant recall affecting nearly 3,000 units of its XDiavel models in the United States. The recall spans across the XDiavel S and Standard variants manufactured from 2016 to 2023. The core of the issue lies in the pillion backrest, an accessory offered with the XDiavel. Reports indicate that this accessory has been incorrectly installed on several units, potentially leading to a broken backrest. Such a malfunction poses a serious risk, as it could result in the pillion passenger falling off the motorcycle. Ducati emphasizes that this accessory fitting is carried out at the dealership level. To…

Primarily known for consumer electronics, Xiaomi has made a bold entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with its Five Core Technologies. This debut, marked by the introduction of their first car models, the Xiaomi SU7 and Xiaomi SU7Max, surpasses expectations in the auto world. This foray, signifying a new chapter in their mission to enrich the Human x Car x Home smart ecosystem, is set to enhance the dynamism of EV cars. Revolutionizing Performance and Design Exceptional Speed and Style: The Xiaomi SU7Max has set a new benchmark in EV performance with its staggering acceleration from 0-100km/h in just…

The Auto World is navigating through various challenges that are shaking the landscape of mobility. These challenges are unprecedented, occurring simultaneously on land, at sea, and in the production sector, teaching the vehicle world new survival strategies. Let’s examine some of these. CHIP SHORTAGE: At the core of these challenges is the ongoing chip shortage. This bottleneck, worsened by geopolitical tensions and natural disasters, is not only limiting vehicle production but also driving up prices. Additionally, the scarcity of essential materials like lithium, used in batteries, and palladium, crucial for catalytic converters, is stalling production and raising costs. GEO CONFLICTS:…

EMT Madrid, the city’s pre-eminent public transport provider, commenced on a progressive journey towards sustainable urban mobility with its latest acquisition of 50 zero-emission electric buses from Solaris. This initiative thrust Madrid to the forefront of eco-conscious public transportation. Eco-Friendly Fleet Ushers in a New Era The procurement includes 20 Urbino 9 LE electric buses and 30 Urbino 12 electric buses, both renowned for their advanced technology and environmental benefits. Equipped with Solaris High Energy batteries, these buses redefine urban transit with silent operation and zero emissions. Slated for deployment by July 2024, they are pivotal in reducing Madrid’s environmental…

A seismic shift unfolds in the world of auto exports as China achieves the crown as the premier car exporter globally. This remarkable feat stems from strategic market expansions and a pronounced rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales. Nikkei, drawing on China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) data, reveals that China’s car exports for the first eleven months of this year soared to 4.42 million vehicles, marking a 58% jump from the previous year. Japan, traditionally in the lead, trailed with 3.99 million units, a 15% increase. This development represents a significant realignment in the automotive sector. Since 2016, when…

EKA Mobility, a spearhead in Indian electric vehicle (EV) industry, recently unveiled its novel alliance with Japan’s Mitsui & Co and the Netherlands’ VDL Groep. This collaboration aims to redefine the Indian automotive sector, leading the nation towards becoming a powerhouse in sustainable transportation. The partnership aspires to initiate a pioneering global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) presence in the region. The fusion of EKA Mobility with these global giants is not merely a business transaction but a transformative venture in India’s mobility landscape. The alliance amalgamates Asia and Europe’s automotive expertise, setting a rapid pace for the evolution and global…

China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, already leading globally in volume, takes a strategic turn with the debut of Nio’s ET9, signaling the nation’s foray into the luxury EV arena. This move diverges from China’s prior focus on budget-friendly EVs, showcasing a pivot towards competing in the upscale market. Nio ET9 – Setting a New Bar in EV Luxury Nio’s ET9, a sleek coupe sedan, emerged recently at a grand event in Xi’an Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, highlighting China’s escalated ambitions in the EV sector. With deliveries slated for early 2025, the ET9’s bold price tag of $112,000 surpasses Tesla’s Model…